Raymond de Montmorency facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Honourable
Raymond de Montmorency |
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DeMontmorency.jpg) |
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| Born | 5 February 1867 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | 23 February 1900 (aged 33) Dordrecht, Cape Colony, South Africa |
| Buried |
Molteno Cemetery, near Dordrecht
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1887–1900 † |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Lincolnshire Regiment 21st Lancers |
| Battles/wars | Mahdist War Second Boer War |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
The Honourable Raymond Harvey Lodge Joseph de Montmorency VC (born February 5, 1867 – died February 23, 1900) was a brave British soldier. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for showing great courage in battle. This award is given to soldiers from the British and Commonwealth forces. Because he was born in Canada, he is also seen as a Canadian hero.
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Raymond de Montmorency's Early Life
Raymond de Montmorency was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He was the oldest son of Major-General Reymond de Montmorency, 3rd Viscount Frankfort de Montmorency. His father was also a soldier who fought in several wars. His mother was Rachel Mary Lumley Godolphin Michel.
Raymond started his military career in 1887. He became a second lieutenant in the Lincolnshire Regiment. Later, in 1889, he joined the 21st Lancers and was promoted to lieutenant.
Earning the Victoria Cross for Bravery
Raymond de Montmorency was 31 years old when he earned his Victoria Cross. He was a lieutenant in the 21st Lancers (Empress of India's) during the Sudan Campaign. This special award was given to him for an act of extreme bravery.
The Battle of Omdurman
On September 2, 1898, during the Battle of Omdurman in Sudan, Lieutenant de Montmorency showed incredible courage. After a cavalry charge, he went back to help another officer. This officer was surrounded by many enemy soldiers called Dervishes.
Raymond de Montmorency bravely fought off the Dervishes. He found that the officer was sadly no longer alive. He tried to put the body on his horse, but the horse ran off. Luckily, Captain Paul Aloysius Kenna and a corporal came to help him. This allowed Raymond to get back to his regiment safely.
Later Military Service and Death
Raymond de Montmorency was promoted to captain in August 1899. Before that, in October 1898, he was sent to South Africa for a special mission. There, he created and led a group of special scouts called Montmorency's Scouts.
When the Second Boer War began in October 1899, his scouts were involved in battles in Cape Colony. Sadly, Captain de Montmorency was killed in action. He died during the Battle of Stormberg near Dordrecht, Cape Colony, on February 23, 1900. He was only 33 years old.
Images for kids
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Raymond de Montmorency, Victoria Cross recipient.
